US20040117115A1 - Method for identifying obstacles for a motor vehicle, using at least three distance sensors for identifying the laterla extension of an object - Google Patents
Method for identifying obstacles for a motor vehicle, using at least three distance sensors for identifying the laterla extension of an object Download PDFInfo
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- US20040117115A1 US20040117115A1 US10/467,538 US46753804A US2004117115A1 US 20040117115 A1 US20040117115 A1 US 20040117115A1 US 46753804 A US46753804 A US 46753804A US 2004117115 A1 US2004117115 A1 US 2004117115A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000003044 adaptive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 claims description 5
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/87—Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
- G01S13/878—Combination of several spaced transmitters or receivers of known location for determining the position of a transponder or a reflector
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9314—Parking operations
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9315—Monitoring blind spots
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9321—Velocity regulation, e.g. cruise control
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9322—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles using additional data, e.g. driver condition, road state or weather data
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9325—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles for inter-vehicle distance regulation, e.g. navigating in platoons
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method, as well as a system, for detecting at least one object, in particular for detecting its specific parameters such as the relative position of the object or the relative speed of the object.
- German Patent Application 42 42 700 A1 an object detection system having a microwave radar sensor is known, which makes possible the detection of objects traveling ahead of a vehicle even at a greater distance.
- This radar sensor contributes to a vehicle safety system, which continuously processes information regarding the distance and the speed of the vehicle relative to the vehicles traveling ahead of it in a predefined angular range.
- an object detection system which has an optical transmitter for a light beam having a variable transmission angle and an optical receiver with angular resolving power.
- the transmitted light beam is modulated such that from the phase difference of the transmitted light beam and the received light beam, the position of the object is also determinable within the angular range of the transmitted light beam up to a certain distance.
- German Patent Application 196 22 777 A1 a sensor system for the automatic relative position determination between two objects is disclosed.
- This conventional sensor system is a combination of an angle-independent sensor and an angle-dependent sensor.
- the sensor without angular resolving power, and thus angle-independent sensor is configured as a sensor that analyzes the distance from an object via measurement of the travel time. Radar, lidar or ultrasonic sensors are proposed as possible sensors.
- the angle-dependent sensor is a geometric arrangement of optoelectronic transmitters and receivers arranged in the form of photoelectric barriers.
- the sensors both of which cover a common detection area, are located spatially close together.
- the distance from the object is determined via the angle-independent sensor and the angle to the object via the sensor having angular resolving power. Based on the distance and the angle to the object, the relative position to the object is known.
- a proposed alternative to the above-mentioned arrangement of optoelectronic transmitters and receivers is the use of two sensors, which jointly determine the angle to the object according to the triangulation principle.
- an object detection system in particular for a motor vehicle, the object detection system having multiple object detectors and/or operational modes, with which various detection ranges and/or detection areas are detected.
- an object detector may be a radar sensor having, in a first operational mode, a relatively large detection range with relatively small angular coverage and, in a second operational mode, a relatively small—by comparison—detection range with increased angular coverage.
- the object of the present invention is to refine a method, as well as a system, according to the definition of the species defined at the beginning, such that the objects to be detected may be classified with respect to their spatial dimensioning, in particular with respect to their lateral extension.
- the effect that, in the case of real test objects, multiple centers of reflection are detectable, and that it is therefore not assured that each sensor detects the same center of reflection is utilized in the sense that in sensor systems having at least three distance sensors, the objects are classified with regard to their spatial dimensioning, in particular with regard to their lateral extension.
- measurement dropouts of short duration are preferentially backed up by a tracking algorithm, so that each sensor unit does not necessarily have to supply a distance value.
- three supporting interpolation nodes are sufficient, but here, too, measurement dropouts of short duration are preferentially backed up by a tracking algorithm.
- the concept of the present invention is also based on the assumption and experience that radar beams are reflected predominantly in the direction of the surface normal, which makes it possible to use existing 24-Gigahertz sensors in an advantageous manner according to the present invention.
- the method, as well as the system are expandable to spatially extensive objects obliquely positioned relative to the sensor system, for instance.
- orientations of spatially extensive objects relative to the sensor system and thus essentially trajectories of potential collision objects are able to be determined, which is relevant, among other things, to the estimation of the angle of impact in PreCrash-applications.
- the present invention further relates to a device for the adaptive regulation of the distance and/or speed of travel of a means of transportation with regard to at least one object, operating according to a method of the type defined above and/or having at least one system of the type defined above.
- Such a device for the adaptive regulation of the distance and/or the speed of travel is able to regulate, without intervention by the driver of the means of transportation, a previously set distance and/or a previously set speed of travel to at least one point of reference, in particular to at least one object of reference such as a vehicle traveling ahead or items and/or objects in the path of travel. This is done by taking into consideration the environment of the means of transportation and possibly other parameters such as weather and visibility conditions.
- Such a device also goes by the name of Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC-System).
- ACC-System Adaptive Cruise Control System
- the ACC system must be flexible enough to appropriately react to all driving situations. This, in turn, is ensured by the object-detection sensor technology according to the present invention, which appropriately supplies the measured data required for regulation in every driving situation.
- the present invention relates to the use of a method of the type defined above and/or at least one system of the type defined above and/or at least one device of the type defined above as part of PreCrash sensing in a motor vehicle.
- a sensor system determines whether a possible collision with the detected object such as another motor vehicle is about to happen. If there is a collision, the speed and point of impact are also determined. With knowledge of this data, life-saving milliseconds may be gained for the driver of the motor vehicle, during which preparatory measures may be taken such as, for instance, triggering of the airbag or tensioning of seatbelts.
- Additional possible areas of application of the method and system according to the present invention are parking assistance systems (equipped with at least three short-range distance sensors, preferably using ultrasound sensors), blind-spot detection or a Stop&Go system as an expansion to an existing device for automatically regulating the speed of travel, such as an ACC system.
- parking assistance systems equipped with at least three short-range distance sensors, preferably using ultrasound sensors
- blind-spot detection or a Stop&Go system as an expansion to an existing device for automatically regulating the speed of travel, such as an ACC system.
- FIG. 1A shows a model-like schematic view of a first traffic situation, where an object to be detected is located in the middle of the path of a motor vehicle, with the width of the path demarcated by dotted lines;
- FIG. 1B shows a pattern, associated with the first traffic situation in FIG. 1A, in the distance lists of three sensor units;
- FIG. 1C shows model coefficients, associated with the first traffic situation in FIG. 1A, for three different object positions (position in the median point of the particular segments) in the case of a point-shaped object with the sensor zero being (0;0);
- FIG. 2A shows a model-like schematic view of a second traffic situation, where two objects to be detected are located symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of a motor vehicle, with the width of the path demarcated by dotted lines;
- FIG. 2B shows a pattern, associated with the second traffic situation in FIG. 2A, in the distance lists of three sensor units, with the minimum distances in the cluster marked by two arrows;
- FIG. 2C shows model coefficients, associated with the second traffic situation in FIG. 2A, for three different object positions (position in the median point of the particular segments) according to three different symmetric arrangements of two point-shaped objects, with the sensor zero being (0;0);
- FIG. 3A shows a model-like schematic view of a third traffic situation, where a spatially extensive object to be detected is located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a motor vehicle, with the width of the path demarcated by dotted lines;
- FIG. 3B shows a pattern, associated with the third traffic situation in FIG. 3A, in the distance lists of three sensor units;
- FIG. 3C shows model coefficients, associated with the third traffic situation in FIG. 3A, for three different object positions (position in the median point of the particular segments) in the case of an object whose area extends perpendicular to the x-axis, with the sensor zero being (0;0);
- FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the method according to the present invention in the form of a flow chart.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the method according to the present invention in the form of a flow chart.
- FIGS. 1A though 5 Identical or similar embodiments, elements or characteristics have identical reference markings in FIGS. 1A though 5 .
- FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3 A show typical distance distributions
- a parabola having an aperture facing down (see FIG. 2B) for both objects 220 , 222 positioned symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (see FIG. 2A) runs through the distance values on the longitudinal axis of a motor vehicle;
- the ordinate values f(z) represent the smallest distance values d1min, d2min, d3min; for the abscissa values z, arbitrary values simplifying calculation are introduced for each sensor unit 10 , 12 , 14 in the form of radar, that is,
- models may be formed in front of sensor system 10 , 12 , 14 for evaluating patterns in distance lists 20 , 22 , 24 of three sensor units 10 , 12 , 14 for typical arrangements of point-shaped objects 210 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), or 220 , 222 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B), as well as of extensive object 230 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).
- FIGS. 1C or 2 C or 3 C show coefficients a, b, c associated with the particular parabolas for various positions of objects 210 or 220 , 222 or 230 .
- the area (for example, 0 m ⁇ x ⁇ 7 m in the x direction and ⁇ 3.5 m ⁇ y ⁇ 3.5 m in the y direction) is subdivided, to give an example, into nine segments in front of sensor system 10 , 12 , 14 .
- the actual method according to the present invention may be used to assign coefficients a, b, c calculated from the measured data to the model coefficients generated by the models in order to specifically decide by correlation whether the detected object is
- point-shaped objects 220 , 222 positioned symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, or
- first distance list 20 relates to first distance value d1
- second distance list 22 relates to second distance value d2
- third distance list 24 relates to third distance value d3 (see FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3 B).
- the next and fourth procedural step [d.1] involves tracking coefficients a, b, c, where the values of the coefficients and their functional derivations based on time t must remain within physically meaningful limits; this means, in other words, that coefficients a, b, c assigned to measured distance values d1, d2, d3, as well as the coefficients' derivations based on time t, must be filtered in a fourth procedural step [d.1] to determine whether results fall below the specifically defined lower threshold values as well as whether they exceed specifically defined upper threshold values.
- a subsequent fifth procedural step [e.1] is able to use a correlation of coefficients a, b, c with model coefficients obtained from model data to distinguish between
- a sixth and final procedural step [f.1] calculates the position and relative speed of particular objects 210 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1 C), 220 , 222 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2 C), and 230 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3 C) from filtered coefficients a, b, c, as well as from time-based derivations of the coefficients.
- the second embodiment of the method according to the present invention performs the classification solely on the basis of model assumptions for point-shaped objects.
- a subsequent additional seventh procedural step [g.2] then performs a back calculation of the model parabolic coefficients for ideal point-shaped objects at these positions.
- a second embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 5 uses a final eighth procedural step [h.2] to generate a measure which describes the general deviation from a point-shaped object, thereby enabling conclusions to be drawn about the extent of the object.
- first six procedural steps [a.2], [b.2], [c.2], [d.2], [e.2], [f.2] correspond to first six procedural steps [a.1], [b.1], [c.1], [d.1], [e.1], [f.1] in the flow chart of the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, where fifth procedural step [e.2] according to FIG. 5 is only able, of course, to distinguish between
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a method, as well as a system, for detecting at least one object, in particular for detecting its specific parameters such as the relative position of the object or the relative speed of the object.
- Conventional methods and systems for determining the position of objects using distance sensors such as 24-Gigahertz radar sensors are essentially based on the model of point target objects, where the distance lists of two or more individual 24 Gigahertz distance sensors are used as input variables.
- From German Patent Application 42 42 700 A1, an object detection system having a microwave radar sensor is known, which makes possible the detection of objects traveling ahead of a vehicle even at a greater distance. This radar sensor contributes to a vehicle safety system, which continuously processes information regarding the distance and the speed of the vehicle relative to the vehicles traveling ahead of it in a predefined angular range.
- Furthermore, from German Patent Application 196 16 038 A1, an object detection system is known, which has an optical transmitter for a light beam having a variable transmission angle and an optical receiver with angular resolving power. The transmitted light beam is modulated such that from the phase difference of the transmitted light beam and the received light beam, the position of the object is also determinable within the angular range of the transmitted light beam up to a certain distance.
- In German Patent Application 196 22 777 A1, a sensor system for the automatic relative position determination between two objects is disclosed. This conventional sensor system is a combination of an angle-independent sensor and an angle-dependent sensor. The sensor without angular resolving power, and thus angle-independent sensor, is configured as a sensor that analyzes the distance from an object via measurement of the travel time. Radar, lidar or ultrasonic sensors are proposed as possible sensors.
- The angle-dependent sensor is a geometric arrangement of optoelectronic transmitters and receivers arranged in the form of photoelectric barriers. The sensors, both of which cover a common detection area, are located spatially close together. In order to determine a relative position to the object, the distance from the object is determined via the angle-independent sensor and the angle to the object via the sensor having angular resolving power. Based on the distance and the angle to the object, the relative position to the object is known. A proposed alternative to the above-mentioned arrangement of optoelectronic transmitters and receivers is the use of two sensors, which jointly determine the angle to the object according to the triangulation principle.
- From German Patent Application 199 49 409 A1, a method, as well as a device, for object detection via at least two distance sensors mounted on a motor vehicle are known, the detection areas of these sensors overlapping at least partially. Means are available for determining, according to the triangulation principle, relative positions of possible detected objects with regard to the sensors in the overlap area; possible ghost objects being created by the object determination may be established by dynamic object observations.
- In German Patent Application 100 11 263 A1, finally, an object detection system, in particular for a motor vehicle, is proposed, the object detection system having multiple object detectors and/or operational modes, with which various detection ranges and/or detection areas are detected. Here, an object detector may be a radar sensor having, in a first operational mode, a relatively large detection range with relatively small angular coverage and, in a second operational mode, a relatively small—by comparison—detection range with increased angular coverage.
- In measurements using the above-mentioned conventional systems, in particular those based on 24-Gigahertz radar sensors, it was noted that in the case of real test objects, multiple centers of reflection are detectable, and it is therefore not assured that each sensor detects the same center of reflection.
- Based on the disadvantages and inadequacies mentioned above, as well as viewed against the outlined related art, the object of the present invention is to refine a method, as well as a system, according to the definition of the species defined at the beginning, such that the objects to be detected may be classified with respect to their spatial dimensioning, in particular with respect to their lateral extension.
- This object is achieved by a method having the features cited in claim 1, as well as by a system having the features cited in claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and expedient refinements of the present invention are indicated in the particular dependent claims.
- According to the teaching of the present invention, the effect that, in the case of real test objects, multiple centers of reflection are detectable, and that it is therefore not assured that each sensor detects the same center of reflection, is utilized in the sense that in sensor systems having at least three distance sensors, the objects are classified with regard to their spatial dimensioning, in particular with regard to their lateral extension. In a three-sensor system, measurement dropouts of short duration are preferentially backed up by a tracking algorithm, so that each sensor unit does not necessarily have to supply a distance value. In a three + n-sensor system, however, three supporting interpolation nodes are sufficient, but here, too, measurement dropouts of short duration are preferentially backed up by a tracking algorithm.
- The concept of the present invention is also based on the assumption and experience that radar beams are reflected predominantly in the direction of the surface normal, which makes it possible to use existing 24-Gigahertz sensors in an advantageous manner according to the present invention.
- Those skilled in the technical area of object detection via distance sensors will be able to appreciate, in the context of the present invention, in particular the possibility of differentiating between point target objects and spatial, large-area target objects. This differentiation provides at least rough indications for the size of the target object and thus its relevance, and is also of interest for the “PreCrash,” Parking Assistance and ACC-Stop&Go applications.
- According to a refinement essential to the present invention, the method, as well as the system, are expandable to spatially extensive objects obliquely positioned relative to the sensor system, for instance. In this way, orientations of spatially extensive objects relative to the sensor system and thus essentially trajectories of potential collision objects are able to be determined, which is relevant, among other things, to the estimation of the angle of impact in PreCrash-applications.
- The present invention further relates to a device for the adaptive regulation of the distance and/or speed of travel of a means of transportation with regard to at least one object, operating according to a method of the type defined above and/or having at least one system of the type defined above.
- Such a device for the adaptive regulation of the distance and/or the speed of travel is able to regulate, without intervention by the driver of the means of transportation, a previously set distance and/or a previously set speed of travel to at least one point of reference, in particular to at least one object of reference such as a vehicle traveling ahead or items and/or objects in the path of travel. This is done by taking into consideration the environment of the means of transportation and possibly other parameters such as weather and visibility conditions.
- Such a device also goes by the name of Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC-System). In particular in view of today's ever-increasing traffic density, the ACC system must be flexible enough to appropriately react to all driving situations. This, in turn, is ensured by the object-detection sensor technology according to the present invention, which appropriately supplies the measured data required for regulation in every driving situation. For instance, sensors for a freeway-compatible ACC system, usually radar or lidar sensors (lidar=acronym for “Light Detection and Ranging”) are to be provided, which have a range of about 100 meters to 150 meters and a large angle of coverage.
- Finally, the present invention relates to the use of a method of the type defined above and/or at least one system of the type defined above and/or at least one device of the type defined above as part of PreCrash sensing in a motor vehicle.
- Here a sensor system determines whether a possible collision with the detected object such as another motor vehicle is about to happen. If there is a collision, the speed and point of impact are also determined. With knowledge of this data, life-saving milliseconds may be gained for the driver of the motor vehicle, during which preparatory measures may be taken such as, for instance, triggering of the airbag or tensioning of seatbelts.
- Additional possible areas of application of the method and system according to the present invention are parking assistance systems (equipped with at least three short-range distance sensors, preferably using ultrasound sensors), blind-spot detection or a Stop&Go system as an expansion to an existing device for automatically regulating the speed of travel, such as an ACC system.
- Other designs, characteristics and advantages of the present invention are explained in greater detail below, based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A through 5.
- FIG. 1A shows a model-like schematic view of a first traffic situation, where an object to be detected is located in the middle of the path of a motor vehicle, with the width of the path demarcated by dotted lines;
- FIG. 1B shows a pattern, associated with the first traffic situation in FIG. 1A, in the distance lists of three sensor units;
- FIG. 1C shows model coefficients, associated with the first traffic situation in FIG. 1A, for three different object positions (position in the median point of the particular segments) in the case of a point-shaped object with the sensor zero being (0;0);
- FIG. 2A shows a model-like schematic view of a second traffic situation, where two objects to be detected are located symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of a motor vehicle, with the width of the path demarcated by dotted lines;
- FIG. 2B shows a pattern, associated with the second traffic situation in FIG. 2A, in the distance lists of three sensor units, with the minimum distances in the cluster marked by two arrows;
- FIG. 2C shows model coefficients, associated with the second traffic situation in FIG. 2A, for three different object positions (position in the median point of the particular segments) according to three different symmetric arrangements of two point-shaped objects, with the sensor zero being (0;0);
- FIG. 3A shows a model-like schematic view of a third traffic situation, where a spatially extensive object to be detected is located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a motor vehicle, with the width of the path demarcated by dotted lines;
- FIG. 3B shows a pattern, associated with the third traffic situation in FIG. 3A, in the distance lists of three sensor units;
- FIG. 3C shows model coefficients, associated with the third traffic situation in FIG. 3A, for three different object positions (position in the median point of the particular segments) in the case of an object whose area extends perpendicular to the x-axis, with the sensor zero being (0;0);
- FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the method according to the present invention in the form of a flow chart; and
- FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the method according to the present invention in the form of a flow chart.
- Identical or similar embodiments, elements or characteristics have identical reference markings in FIGS. 1A though5.
- In the following, the method according to the present invention is explained using a system100 according to the present invention having three
sensor units - Three
sensor units - for a point-shaped object210 (see FIG. 1A),
- for two point-shaped
objects - for an
object 230 whose area extends perpendicular to the x-axis (see FIG. 3A). - By applying a curve f(z), suitably a parabola having coefficients a, b and c (=polynomial of the second order: f(z)=a•z2+b•z+c) through each of the smallest distances d1min, d2min, d3min of
clusters 30, it becomes apparent that - a parabola having an aperture facing up (see FIG. 1B) for individual object210 (see FIG. 1A) and
- a parabola having an aperture facing down (see FIG. 2B) for both
objects - and that for large-
area object 230 the distances for eachsensor unit - According to the graphs of FIGS. 1B, 2B and3B, in this context the ordinate values f(z) represent the smallest distance values d1min, d2min, d3min; for the abscissa values z, arbitrary values simplifying calculation are introduced for each
sensor unit - z=−1 for
sensor unit 10, z=0 forsensor unit 12, and z=1 forsensor unit 14. As a result, models may be formed in front ofsensor system sensor units - FIGS. 1C or2C or 3C show coefficients a, b, c associated with the particular parabolas for various positions of
objects sensor system - For example, if an individual point-shaped
object 210 is located at position (x=3.5 m; y=2.33 m), then a positive value is obtained for first coefficient a, while a negative value is obtained for second coefficient b. This is the case within the constellation of the first traffic situation of FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, where positive coefficient a, which represents a factor before the highest polynomial order z2, is responsible for the aperture of the parabola facing up (see FIG. 1B). - If, however, there is an
object - As the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, the actual method according to the present invention may be used to assign coefficients a, b, c calculated from the measured data to the model coefficients generated by the models in order to specifically decide by correlation whether the detected object is
- an individual point-shaped
object 210, - point-shaped
objects - a spatially
extensive object 230. - To accomplish this, according to the first embodiment of FIG. 4, distance lists20 or 22 or 24 of the three
sensor units first distance list 20 relates to first distance value d1,second distance list 22 relates to second distance value d2, andthird distance list 24 relates to third distance value d3 (see FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B). - After
reflex clusters 30 are subsequently detected in distance lists 20, 22, 24 in a second procedural step [b.1], coefficients a, b, c are calculated (=third procedural step [c.1]) from the particular smallest distance values d1min, d2min, d3min inclusters 30. - The next and fourth procedural step [d.1] involves tracking coefficients a, b, c, where the values of the coefficients and their functional derivations based on time t must remain within physically meaningful limits; this means, in other words, that coefficients a, b, c assigned to measured distance values d1, d2, d3, as well as the coefficients' derivations based on time t, must be filtered in a fourth procedural step [d.1] to determine whether results fall below the specifically defined lower threshold values as well as whether they exceed specifically defined upper threshold values.
- As a result, a subsequent fifth procedural step [e.1] is able to use a correlation of coefficients a, b, c with model coefficients obtained from model data to distinguish between
- an individual point-shaped
object 210, - symmetrically positioned point-shaped
objects - an
extensive object 230. - A sixth and final procedural step [f.1] calculates the position and relative speed of particular objects210 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C), 220, 222 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C), and 230 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C) from filtered coefficients a, b, c, as well as from time-based derivations of the coefficients.
- In contrast to the first embodiment of the method according to the present invention (see FIG. 4), the second embodiment of the method according to the present invention (see FIG. 5) performs the classification solely on the basis of model assumptions for point-shaped objects. Here the object positions are first calculated from tracked parabolic coefficients a, b, c (=sixth procedural step [f.2] in FIG. 5).
- In contrast to FIG. 4, a subsequent additional seventh procedural step [g.2] then performs a back calculation of the model parabolic coefficients for ideal point-shaped objects at these positions. Based on the deviations of tracked parabolic coefficients a, b, c relative to the back-calculated model parabolic coefficients, a second embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 5 uses a final eighth procedural step [h.2] to generate a measure which describes the general deviation from a point-shaped object, thereby enabling conclusions to be drawn about the extent of the object.
- Regarding the flow chart in the case of the second exemplary embodiment of the present method according to FIG. 5, it should be noted that first six procedural steps [a.2], [b.2], [c.2], [d.2], [e.2], [f.2] correspond to first six procedural steps [a.1], [b.1], [c.1], [d.1], [e.1], [f.1] in the flow chart of the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, where fifth procedural step [e.2] according to FIG. 5 is only able, of course, to distinguish between
- an individual point-shaped
object 210 and - symmetrically positioned point-shaped
objects - Regarding the present invention, it should be noted in conclusion that refinements of the model are possible such as in the case of extensive objects positioned obliquely to
sensor system - When implementing the present method and associated system100, the following potentially limiting factors should be considered:
- the distance resolution of
individual sensors - the measuring accuracy of
individual sensors - the high potential for close distances d1, d2, d3 to
sensor system object 210 there may be large differences between distance values d1, d2, d3, and/or - usual fluctuations of the backscatter cross-sections for radar transmissions (when using radar sensors) that may lead to an impairment of the (idealized) model assumptions; for this reason it is advisable, for instance, to suitably filter the figure formed according to the second embodiment in FIG. 5.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- a first coefficient
- b second coefficient
- c third coefficient
- d1 first distance value
- d1min first minimum distance value
- d2 second distance value
- d2min second minimum distance value
- d3 third distance value
- d3min third minimum distance value
- e distance of
sensor units - t time
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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DE10160299.5 | 2001-12-07 | ||
DE10160299A DE10160299A1 (en) | 2001-12-07 | 2001-12-07 | Method and system for detecting at least one object |
PCT/DE2002/003973 WO2003050562A1 (en) | 2001-12-07 | 2002-10-22 | Method for identifying obstacles for a motor vehicle, using at least three distance sensors for identifying the lateral extension of an object |
Publications (2)
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US20040117115A1 true US20040117115A1 (en) | 2004-06-17 |
US6947841B2 US6947841B2 (en) | 2005-09-20 |
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US10/467,538 Expired - Fee Related US6947841B2 (en) | 2001-12-07 | 2002-10-22 | Method for identifying obstacles for a motor vehicle, using at least three distance sensors for identifying the lateral extension of an object |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US6947841B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1456689A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4404633B2 (en) |
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WO (1) | WO2003050562A1 (en) |
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US20090135048A1 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2009-05-28 | Ruediger Jordan | Method for estimating the width of radar objects |
US20090157314A1 (en) * | 2007-12-04 | 2009-06-18 | Ruediger Jordan | Method for measuring lateral movements in a driver assistance system |
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DE10352800A1 (en) | 2003-11-12 | 2005-06-23 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Device for detecting moving objects |
DE102004026638B4 (en) * | 2004-04-08 | 2007-03-29 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | A method of controlling occupant restraining means in a vehicle |
US20070255498A1 (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2007-11-01 | Caterpillar Inc. | Systems and methods for determining threshold warning distances for collision avoidance |
US7830243B2 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2010-11-09 | Chrysler Group Llc | Dual mode vehicle blind spot system |
US20080218381A1 (en) * | 2007-03-05 | 2008-09-11 | Buckley Stephen J | Occupant exit alert system |
US20100152972A1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2010-06-17 | Joe Charles Attard | Parallel park assist |
DE102010052304A1 (en) * | 2010-11-23 | 2012-05-24 | Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh | Method and device for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle when parking out of a parking space and motor vehicle |
JP6930171B2 (en) * | 2017-03-29 | 2021-09-01 | 株式会社アイシン | Parking assistance device and parking assistance system |
US11774583B2 (en) | 2021-02-26 | 2023-10-03 | Waymo Llc | Methods and systems for filtering vehicle self-reflections in radar |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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DE10160299A1 (en) | 2003-06-18 |
WO2003050562A1 (en) | 2003-06-19 |
US6947841B2 (en) | 2005-09-20 |
JP4404633B2 (en) | 2010-01-27 |
JP2005512095A (en) | 2005-04-28 |
EP1456689A1 (en) | 2004-09-15 |
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